Tick, tick, tick

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I hate to even write about this topic (particularly before bedtime), but it seems to be an ongoing concern in many parts of the country this year.

I’m talking about ticks. They’re out in force looking for their next meal, and gardeners or anyone enjoying the outdoors is a possibility.

Not only are ticks disgusting because they burrow their heads under your skin to dine; the worst part is you might contract Lyme disease if you receive a tick bite, and the effects potentially last for years. So, if you are bitten by a tick, seek medical attention so you can receive early treatment to mitigate the problems.

Keeping Ticks Out of the Yard

I’m used to checking for ticks after going on a hike, but don’t usually have to worry around home. Unfortunately, a neighbor (who has lived up here for 20 years without ever seeing a tick) found two ticks this weekend, so it looks like I need to be a bit more proactive when it comes to keeping ticks out of the yard. The first thing we need to do is to keep the lawn mowed. At this time of the year, it means every 4-5 days (I know in other parts of the country it’ll be even shorter).

One strike we have against us is the amount of white-tailed deer that take up residence in our neighborhood. If I had my druthers, we’d install a deer fence that’s 7-ft. tall to keep the deer out of the backyard. That way at least we’d have some area free of the primary tick carriers. And I know there are other places in the country that have far more deer than we do, so it’s important to keep their numbers down or at least out of your property.

Alternatives

Another option is to spray the perimeter of the yard with pyrethrins. Ticks typically don’t travel horizontally, but they’re more likely to congregate along the edges (particularly if you live next to wooded areas) where they might be able to attach themselves to you or your pet. You only need to spray 5-10 ft. from the edges. If you don’t want to spray, remember that ticks don’t like rough edges. If at all possible, form a perimeter of gravel to keep them at bay.

It’s also important to understand where ticks hide. One of their favorite places is in the woodpile, so if you’re cleaning up after the winter’s burning, be sure to wear light colored clothing (so you can see them), tuck your pants into your boots and check yourself thoroughly after your chores. Ticks will also hang on shrubs and tall grasses or perennials. If you’re mowing or working around a patch of them, check yourself afterwards.

Sprays and Treatments

Of course, it’s important to use repellents to protect yourself, as well. Anything with DEET is a standard repellent, but more people want to avoid the harsh chemicals on their skin.

Other options include an interesting permethrin (derived from the chrysanthemum plant) treatment for your clothing called Tick Block, which I recently ordered and am anxious to try, particularly since we have a number of hikes on our agenda this season. As for essential oils, some have reported that clove and cinnamon repel ticks, which might be helpful for those who want to avoid all chemicals.

Ticks are nasty, horrible little creatures, and you need to do your best to protect yourself. But, if you are bitten, particularly if you have the classic bull’s eye redness around the bite, be sure to get into your physician to seek treatment. Be careful out there!

The image is from istock.com copyright aanton.

Meet Amy Grisak

Amy is a freelance author and photographer in Great Falls, MT who specializes in gardening, foods, and sustainable agriculture. She provides information on every kind…

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